Ankle fractures Flashcards
What are the 4 main bones of the ankle?
Tibia, Fibula, Talus and Calcaneus
What is an ankle fracture?
A fracture of any of the malleolus (lateral, medial or posterior) with or without disruption of the syndesmosis
What is the syndemosis?
A fibrous structure that connects the fibula and tibia
How can ankle fractures by classified anatomically?
isolated medial malleolar fracture, isolated lateral malleolar fracture, bimalleolat fractures, trimalleolar fractures
How does Weber classify ankle fractures?
Based on the syndesmosis
What is a type A weber fracture?
Below the syndesmosis
What is a type B weber fracture?
At the level of the syndesmosis
What is a type C weber fracture?
Above the level of the syndesosis
What are the clinical features of an ankle fracture?
Ankle pain after an injury, unable to weight bare, deformity if there is a dislocation, focal tenderness
What are the Ottawa ankle rules?
clinical decision tool to determine the need for diagnostic imaging for ankle or foot trauma, only need an ankle plain radiograph if there is pain in the malleolar regions and features of bone tenderness at the poster edge or tip of the lateral or medial malleolus or inability to weight bear immediately and for four steps
What are the investigations for an ankle fracture?
Plain radiograph, with AP and lateral views, look at the joint space and for talar shift
What is the management for an ankle fracture?
fracture reduction, usually under sedation, below the knee backslab, repeat neurovascular examination and plain radiographs, or conservative management
When can conservative management be done for ankle fractures?
non-displaced medial malleolus fractures, Weber a or b without talar shift, unfit for surgery
What surgery is done to manage an ankle fracture?
Open reduction and internal fixation
When is surgery required for ankle fractures?
Bimallelar or trimalleolar fractures, Weber C or B with talar shift, Open fractures
